By Rachel James-Terry
Jackson State University hosted its annual Politics on the Plaza on Tuesday, Sept. 17, as part of the university’s celebration of Constitution Day. The event united local, state, and national candidates to engage with students and the broader campus community. High school students from Brandon, Jim Hill, and Lanier High Schools participated in a Town Hall on Democracy, offering a unique opportunity for future voters to interact directly with political leaders.
Adding to the lively atmosphere, Greek-lettered organizations strolled to a DJ’s melodic sounds. Later that afternoon, candidates such as Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Jim Kitchens, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and Bridgette Morgan, who is running for District 2 Hinds County Court Judge, addressed the critical role of voting.
Several JSU organizations sponsored the event, including the Department of Political Science, JSU Votes, the JSU NAACP, the JSU Student Government Association, and the Margaret Walker Center. The First Lady of Jackson State, LaToya Redd-Thompson, Esq., is an advocate for civic engagement. She created the Get-Out-The-Vote initiative at JSU and was present to connect with students and emphasize the significance of voting.
“Voting is so important because our vote is our voice with respect to the types of services we get – infrastructure, schools, education, how much money we have right here to fund Jackson State; how much student loan forgiveness we have, how much healthcare we have, how safe we are, our vote impacts a lot of things that affect our quality of life,” Redd-Thompson explained.
She also highlighted voting as a powerful tool to ensure elected officials serve their constituents. “It’s our way to hold them accountable,” she said before again urging students to register and vote.
Maniah Williams, a senior political science major at JSU, reflected on the historical significance of voting rights. “It’s important to me as an African American and especially a woman whose rights were suppressed for the longest. It’s time for us to take our power back and speak up and vote for the people that we think should be in office so they can represent us and what we feel is important. I just think other students should take the initiative, too, so their voices can be heard,” she said.
Williams, president of JSU Votes, also expressed admiration for Redd-Thompson. “I’ve had the experience of working with First Lady Thompson. She comes to our weekly JSU Votes meetings. It’s just an honor to have her work with us, support us, give us all the knowledge, and help us with the logistics behind these events.”
Jacobi Grant, adjunct professor of criminal justice and political science, is the advisor to JSU Votes. He emphasized the importance of civic unity. “We strive to highlight the true definition of patriotism, ‘being engaged civically,’ but we also teach it by providing young people opportunities to interact with the persons elected to make decisions affecting the public.”
Hinds County Circuit Clerk Zack Wallace was also present, reminding attendees of the upcoming key election dates:
· Monday, Sept. 23 – Absentee Voting Begins
· Monday, Oct. 7 – Voter Registration Ends
· Saturday, Oct. 26 – Saturday Early Voting
· Saturday, Nov. 2 – Saturday Early Voting
· Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Election Day
“It’s very important for events like Politics on the Plaza to exist. It’s time for us to do something different We need everyone to spread the word. We want them to be a prepared voter. We need everyone to cast their vote,” Wallace said.
Jackson State in a non-partisan university that continues to foster a politically active and informed student body through events like Politics on the Place, which empowers students to shape their future using the power of the vote.
